Lower Egypt got its name due to its geographical position along the Nile River. It is the northernmost part of Egypt, situated downstream where the Nile spreads out into a delta before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. The term ‘Lower’ signifies its location compared to Upper Egypt, which is upstream in the southern region closer to the Nile’s source.
The ancient Egyptians referred to their country as ‘Kemet,’ meaning ‘black land,’ due to the fertile soil deposited by the Nile’s annual floods. However, the distinction between Upper and Lower Egypt is primarily based on elevation. In this context, Lower Egypt lies at a lower elevation than Upper Egypt, which is more mountainous in the south.
Historically, the division between Upper and Lower Egypt was crucial, as it represented two distinct regions with different cultures and governance systems. This separation was so significant that it became political; the unification of these two regions under a single ruler marked the beginning of the First Dynasty of Egypt around 3100 BCE, indicating the importance of both areas in ancient Egyptian civilization.